Prediabetes is identified when your blood sugar level is higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes is a serious health condition that increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
There are many factors that increase diabetes risk. In general people are at risk if they are:
Those at high risk for diabetes are urged to:
How can type 2 diabetes be prevented?
Research shows that modest weight loss and regular physical activity can help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes by up to 58% in people with prediabetes. Modest weight loss means 5% to 7% of body weight, which is 10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person. Getting at least 150 minutes each week of physical activity, such as brisk walking, also is important.
The lifestyle change program offered through the National Diabetes Prevention Program—led by CDC—can help participants adopt the healthy habits needed to prevent type 2 diabetes. Trained lifestyle coaches lead classes to help participants improve their food choices, increase physical activity, and learn coping skills to maintain weight loss and healthy lifestyle changes.